Guy Fieri responds to New York Times critic’s harsh review (Video)

Celebrity chef Guy Fieri went on NBC’s Today Show Thursday to respond to New York Times critic Pete Wells’ scathing review of his new Times Square restaurant, Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar.

Wells’ review went viral and consists almost entirely of rhetorical questions to Fieri, slamming every aspect of the restaurant, from the food to the atmosphere. “Guy Fieri, have you eaten at your new restaurant in Times Square? Have you pulled up one of the 500 seats at Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar and ordered a meal? Did you eat the food? Did it live up to your expectations?” the review begins.

“I thought it was ridiculous, that to me was so overboard,” Fieri told Today.

The Food Network host admitted that the restaurant isn’t perfect and that he will make changes. “We’re trying as hard as we can to make it right, to do it right,” he said. “Is it perfect right now? No. Are we striving for that? Yeah.”

Fieri also had to explain that he has been in the restaurant personally and has worked with the staff. “This is more heart and soul,” he explained. “This is not just a name stamp.”

Wells’ review has also been seen as too harsh by others. “I viewed this as the New York Times stepping down a level and trying to compete with blogs,” Iron Chef contestant Eric Greenspan told NBC News.